Peru (MNN) — Wycliffe Bible Translators are nearing the end
of a Bible translation project in the Central Andes region of Peru.
Wycliffe's Ron Ryan spoke with us from Huanuco near a hillside village called
Llihuari. The team is working to finish
translation in five indigenous languages.
As the team nears the finish, anticipation is building. Not long ago, Wanca Quechua pastors, men,
women and children in colorful clothes marched down the street in celebration of
the completion and dedication of the New Testament.
At that ceremony, shouts and clapping greeted the New Testament as
Quechua pastors raised theirs in celebration. Wanca Quechua then read the Word
in their language and musicians played, offering praises to God.
Wycliffe member Nory Grant who attended said, referencing
Revelation 7:9-10, "I felt like God gave us a glimpse of what it will be like
when every tongue, tribe and language stands before His throne."
That's why nearing the Old Testament translation is so
exciting. Once they finish the O.T., these
five indigenous language groups will have a complete Bible available in their
heart language.
The O.T. process will likely take another five years, but
there is one problem. "There are
very few people who are literate. That's part of the Bible translation process: to teach people to read and
write."
Ryan says they're laying the groundwork for ministry in the
outlying areas. "We use audio
presentations–sometimes on CD, sometimes on cassettes, but especially on
radio. It's one way to reach the people who live out in these rural
areas."
Ryan has been traveling this week with five people from
various Moody Radio stations: John Blok, Paul Carter, Derek Cutlip, Brigitte
Sylvestre and Angie Walters. The team is
a representation of the partnership between Wycliffe Bible Translators and
Moody Radio.
Rachel Tidwell has been chronicling the trip and writes, "This
is a special time in our organization's history. We have the opportunity to
introduce not only the staff of Moody Radio, but also their listeners across
the country to the important work of Bible translation and show them how to
get involved."
Pray for the team. They need stamina and protection. "Men from five different languages come together to work on the
same Biblical passages. Today, they're working on Psalms. They'll work together for three weeks, then
return to their communities and take that translated Scripture out, read it, and
test it to see if it speaks clearly in the Quechua language, and then eventually
publish it. Meanwhile, some of that will
be broadcast."
